FaultScore

Chevrolet Traverse engine problems

1,204 of the 7,917 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Traverse are about the engine — 15% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2011.

1,204

Complaints

15%

Share of all complaints

14

Crashes

16

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

2009 Traverse 62 5.1%

Median failure at 103,000 miles

2010 Traverse 187 15.5%

Median failure at 84,700 miles

2011 Traverse 213 17.7%

Median failure at 84,000 miles

2012 Traverse 117 9.7%

Median failure at 96,000 miles

2013 Traverse 46 3.8%

Median failure at 89,000 miles

2014 Traverse 119 9.9%

Median failure at 67,885 miles

2015 Traverse 38 3.2%

Median failure at 48,717 miles

2016 Traverse 31 2.6%

Median failure at 46,900 miles

2017 Traverse 25 2.1%

Median failure at 30,271 miles

2018 Traverse 100 8.3%

Median failure at 32,400 miles

2019 Traverse 67 5.6%

Median failure at 20,500 miles

2020 Traverse 93 7.7%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

2021 Traverse 20 1.7%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

2022 Traverse 18 1.5%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2023 Traverse 20 1.7%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2024 Traverse 33 2.7%

Median failure at 2,900 miles

2025 Traverse 11 0.9%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2026 Traverse 4 0.3%

Median failure at 500 miles

What owners said

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Centerville, GA

ENGINE

The welding that holds the exhaust together has failed. They offer a Special Warranty to cover only the passenger side, however it has failed and exhaust is super loud. Also reading 4 codes from check engine alert. All are P0420 (cat convertor). The smell of exhaust and cat convertor is super disgusting

NHTSA complaint #11757809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse at 50,000 miles Longwood, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a loud sound coming from the exhaust pipes, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate, with exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the exhaust mounting bracket had failed, causing the exhaust pipes to separate and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer-extended coverage that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Fortville, IN

ENGINE

Loses oil between oil changes. No visible signs of leaks or odor of burning oil.

NHTSA complaint #11756688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Traverse Bradenton, FL

ENGINE

I am reporting a serious safety incident involving my 2024 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD, with approximately 34,378 miles. On or about [XXX], while the vehicle was being driven near Sarasota Florida at approximately 25 mph, it suddenly lost propulsion and all electrical power. The instrument panel, displays and vehicle electrical systems went completely dark. The vehicle was completely dead and would not restart. Police subsequently jump-started it, but the vehicle’s systems did not initially operate normally. This vehicle previously experienced another complete electrical-power failure while parked overnight, and the dealership has a record of that incident. Following the in-motion shutdown, the dealership performed a complete software flash using USB and stated that a software problem may have caused a parasitic battery draw. I understand how a parasitic draw could discharge the battery while the vehicle is parked. However, I have not received an adequate explanation of why the vehicle lost all electrical power while the engine was running and the charging system should have been supplying power. I am requesting that General Motors open a formal product-safety case, review the dealership’s diagnostic and programming records, determine the complete cause of the in-motion shutdown, and provide written confirmation of the tests and repairs performed. Please provide me with the GM case number and escalate the matter for appropriate technical or field review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11755615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse at 150,970 miles Florence, SC

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping and there was a delay while the transmission was shifting gears. The vehicle was sputtering and jerking while driving. While turning out of a driveway and driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but referred the owner back to the local dealer for assistance. There was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,970.

NHTSA complaint #11753792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Traverse at 75 miles Slidell, LA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the engine warning light illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75.

NHTSA complaint #11752054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Sammamish, WA

ENGINE

GM published bulletin PIP5681A on 10/05/20 regarding defective welds on the exhaust brackets near the catalytic converter. I had the same exact weld failure and GM is not honoring the warranty coverage, even though their bulletin said that all 2020 Traverse SUVs were included.

NHTSA complaint #11751117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse Port Richey, FL

ENGINE

Shifting into gears, there is a delay shifting into the next gear, there is bucking like its going to stall, it happens in traffic. I am worried it will stall and I will be in an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11749785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse at 74,000 miles Forth Worth, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:FILTER/SCREEN

The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed. Although the vehicle had been taken to the dealer two months prior, the dealer did not find the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Traverse at 72,400 miles Forth Worth, TX

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, where a leaking oil pan gasket was diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred on a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse he owned. Although the vehicle had been taken to the dealer two months prior, the dealer did not find the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,400.

NHTSA complaint #11749147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse Round Rock, TX

ENGINE

I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently at AutoNation Chevrolet West Austin, dropped off on XXX, and is available for inspection. Soon after delivery, the vehicle began losing coolant and overheating. This was not isolated. Before the engine was finally replaced, there were at least four documented coolant/overheating-related dealer visits or repair notes: XXX. The problem repeated again on XXX, becoming the fifth coolant/overheating-related visit and resulting in GM/dealer-authorized engine replacement after internal coolant-related findings. Dealer records show low/empty coolant reservoir, overheating, fan-running symptoms, almost one gallon of coolant added, no external leak found, coolant dye added, GM TAC involvement, and internal coolant findings. After engine replacement, the vehicle continued to fail. In February 2026, it displayed check-engine light and “Steering Assist Reduced / Power Steering Reduced.” The dealer confirmed misfire and replaced cylinder 1 fuel injector. In April/May 2026, the vehicle displayed a service parking brake warning; the dealer documented left rear parking brake actuator high current. Now, on XXX, the vehicle is again at the dealer for blinking check-engine light, and the dealer advised the code shows another engine misfire. My family’s safety is at risk. Repeated overheating, engine replacement, steering-assist warning, parking brake warning, and recurring misfire create unsafe drivability risk, especially on highways, merging, intersections, or long trips. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse at 44,000 miles Jackson, LA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in the exhaust system causing the acceleration failure. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the waiting period suggested. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11747387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse at 44,000 miles Jackson, LA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in the exhaust system causing the acceleration failure. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the waiting period suggested. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11747387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Traverse at 18,000 miles Romulus, MI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust system detached after scraping the underside of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Traverse Toledo, OH

ENGINE

THERE is a recall for the year, make and model for driver side airbag, also to do with transmission slipping and both of those I'm currently having issues with on my vehicle but with my vin its not coming up for any of the recalls but I want to request a Investigation on if my vehicle or any other of the same year be added to the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11745215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Iowa Park, TX

ENGINE

Corrosion of the exhaust pipes lead to an exhaust leak.

NHTSA complaint #11744668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Deleay Beach, FL

ENGINE

Engine light came on. Car started shaking and making noise when shifting. Speed would not increase while driving. When shifting into park the car does not recognize that’s it’s in park and had to jiggle the gear shift. Took it to an independent mechanic and they said it’s probably the transmission. Have to take it to a transmission shop.

NHTSA complaint #11743964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Fort Bragg, NC

ENGINE

My 2019 Chevy Traverse prior to "The Storm" when I left work and approached my vehicle someone left a not in my windshield wipers stating that my horn was honking every 15 seconds it was a long shift so by the time I got to my vehicle my battery was dead. I got a jump from a co-worker allowed my alternator to charge my battery, and it was fine (so I thought). Then the day after "The Storm" happened, my Traverse went haywire displaying multiple signs of electronic failures while driving on a major highway: Service ESC, ABS disabled, Traction control disabled, Power steering disabled, Horn honked continuously, windows won't roll down, Key fob unresponsive, Manual lock/ unlock switch unresponsive, A/C on but doesn't blow cold, infotainment system on, Cluster Hazard light indicators on but lights aren't illuminated, Windshield Wipers on max speed unprompted while spraying continuously. I pulled over, placed the vehicle in "park", turned the vehicle off, safely exited to realize my vehicle was still running, got back into the vehicle where I was greeted by a prompt that said to place the vehicle in park to turn it off. I attempted to shift but it was immovable, called a tow truck. Every time after dealership visits/ repairs my vehicle shutoff while moving. It's been to the dealership 3 times (4 to include tomorrow) I've also connected an OBD2 Scanner to run a diagnostic after the last visit and these faults appeared almost instantly. Work done so far: x2 BCM replacements (w/ flashed software) x1 Battery replacement x1 Keyless Entry Module replacement x1 Driver door lock/unlock switch replacement x3-->4 tow trucks Over $3,000 in expenses

NHTSA complaint #11744076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Traverse Moore, SC

ENGINE

Exhaust bracket broke, created a hole in pipe, which then resulted in cracked catalytic converter. Dealership and GM denied repairs due to the hole being on the "wrong pipe" but the same bracket that is covered broke resulting in the consequential damage. Check engine light came on, loud exhaust noise. Threw codes P219A, P2097, P0171. Bulletin even outlines that broken bracket/hole can cause cracks in converter, still denied. This is a known issue with the welding on this pipe/bracket, why they didn't extend the coverage to BOTH pipes is beyond me.

NHTSA complaint #11743135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse Egg Harbor Township, NJ

ENGINE

Repeated problems trying to turn off vehicle with a "Shift to Park" notification being displayed. It took numerous attempts each time of banging the shift lever and flicking the shift button for it finally properly turn off. Otherwise, it would continually alarm. While the milage is only 26500, it was beyond the 5 yr warranty. I was never notified of any recall notice concerning this well documented problem. There were several class action lawsuits about this known issue, but all have since been closed. Dealer replaced transmission control range selector harness and jumper for $500.

NHTSA complaint #11742952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Traverse problems